Welsh Parliament to vote on final stage of historic Agriculture Bill
27th June 2023
The first-ever Wales Agriculture Bill that sets out the course of future support for Welsh farmers is due to enter its final stage of scrutiny today (Tuesday 27th June) and will be voted on by members of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) later this evening.
Should the vote on the historic Bill be passed by Senedd members, it will then seek Royal Assent, and if received, it will become law in Wales.
The Wales Agriculture Bill paves the way for legislation to support farmers to produce food and other goods in a sustainable manner, to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, and to conserve and enhance the Welsh countryside, culture and language.
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) forms a central part of the Bill and includes proposals for a Sustainable Farming Scheme, which will be the main source of future Government support for farmers in Wales.
The Bill provides Welsh Ministers with the powers necessary to provide future support whilst also ensuring continued support for farmers during a transition period, reflecting the Cooperation Agreement commitment with Plaid Cymru.
It also lays out the government’s commitment to introduce a permanent ban on the use of snares and glue traps, meaning Wales will be the first country in the UK to introduce a complete ban.
Moreover, it proposes amendments to the Forestry Act 1967 to better protect wildlife and the environment during felling operations, recognising the value of our woodlands as a natural resource as well as a habitat.
The Bill has been codesigned with farmers to ensure the development of a clear framework for integrating the proposed action into resilient farm businesses. For example, it explores in detail how to improve the health and efficiency of livestock which reduces carbon emissions through reduced medication, and how to incorporate additional tree planting onto farms across Wales so the trees become an asset to the farm.
The Bill will also provide agricultural tenants with protection to ensure they are not unfairly restricted from accessing financial support.
Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said: “The Welsh Agriculture Bill provides us with an opportunity to develop a first-ever made-in-Wales system of support and legislation which works for Welsh farmers, the agriculture sector, our land, and Wales as a whole.
“Our farmers continue to deal with different challenges and this Bill will provide an important framework on which future support for agriculture can be delivered, and outlines how we can keep farmers on the land to produce food sustainably whilst tackling the climate emergency.
“By working together, we can make a real difference to the future of our farmers and rural communities, by taking significant steps to tackle the climate and nature emergencies,” Ms Griffiths concluded.
